12-Day Switzerland and Paris Itinerary: Rhine Falls, Lucerne, Jungfraujoch, Montreux Jazz Festival & Paris Highlights

Day 1: Zurich Arrival & Rhine Falls

Zurich, Switzerland on July 11, 2025

10:00AM

Arrive at Zurich Airport

Touch down at Zurich Airport to begin your Swiss adventure.
0CHF, 30m

10:30AM

Transfer to Mövenpick Hotel Zürich Regensdorf

Take a 30-minute transfer to your hotel for check-in or luggage drop.
0CHF, 30m

12:00PM

Train to Rhine Falls

Catch the train from Zurich HB to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall via Winterthur, journey is about an hour.
From CHF10 approx., 1h

1:00PM

Explore Rhine Falls & Laufen Castle

Enjoy a boat ride to the rock in the falls (weather permitting), visit Laufen Castle for panoramic views of Europe’s largest waterfall.
Adult boat ride CHF5-10, Laufen Castle admission ~CHF5, 2h

3:00PM

Return train to Zurich

Return to Zurich by train for rest before evening activities.
From CHF10 approx., 1h

4:00PM

Hotel Rest

Short rest and refresh at Mövenpick Hotel Zürich Regensdorf.
0CHF, 1h

5:00PM

Train to Uetliberg

Travel approximately 25 minutes to Uetliberg station for sunset views.
CHF8 (Zurich short trip), 25m

5:30PM

Sunset at Uetliberg

Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic sunset view from Uto Kulm overlooking Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the Alps.
Free, 45m

6:30PM

Return to Zurich

Train back towards Zurich Höschgasse station in about 25 minutes.
CHF8 approx., 25m

7:00PM

Dinner at Seefeld Indian Restaurant

Dine lakeside at Masala for fine Indian cuisine or Kormasutra for Indian-fusion flavors in a scenic setting.
Main courses CHF25-40, 90m

9:00PM

Return to Hotel

Transfer back to Mövenpick Hotel Zürich Regensdorf for overnight rest.
0CHF, 30m
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Day 2: Lucerne & Mount Titlis

Lucerne & Engelberg, Switzerland on July 12, 2025

7:00AM

Train to Lucerne

Depart early by train to Lucerne (~1 hour).
Approx CHF20, 1h

8:15AM

Lucerne Old Town Walk

Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and stroll through the charming Old Town.
Free, 75m

9:45AM

Train to Engelberg

Journey about 45 minutes by train to Engelberg to begin mountain excursion.
Approx CHF15, 45m

10:45AM

Check-in at H+ Hotel & SPA Engelberg

Drop off luggage at the hotel to get ready for Mount Titlis activities.
0CHF, 15m

11:00AM

Mount Titlis Excursion

Ride gondola and Rotair cable car to the summit; explore Cliff Walk, Glacier Cave, and optional snow activities.
Titlis ticket CHF93 approx., 4h

3:30PM

Return to Lucerne

Train back to Lucerne to continue sightseeing.
Approx CHF15, 45m

4:30PM

Lake Lucerne Boat Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Weggis and back.
CHF25 approx., 90m

6:30PM

Dinner at Indian Restaurant

Dine at Kanchi or Swagat near Lucerne station for authentic Indian cuisine.
Main courses CHF20-35, 60m

7:30PM

Return to Engelberg Hotel

Train back to Engelberg for overnight stay.
Approx CHF15, 45m
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Day 3: Beatus Caves & Schynige Platte

Interlaken & Surroundings, Switzerland on July 13, 2025

8:30AM

Bus/Ferry to Beatus Caves

Depart Interlaken by bus/ferry to reach Beatus Caves area.
CHF15 approx., 1h

9:30AM

Explore Beatus Caves & Museum

Tour the impressive caves and learn about the legends and geology at the museum; open 9 AM to 6 PM.
CHF16, 2h

11:45AM

Lake Thun Scenic Ferry

Take a 75-minute scenic ferry cruise from Beatus area to Spiez or Thun.
Approx CHF20, 1h15m

1:30PM

Return to Interlaken

Travel back to Interlaken via public transport or ferry.
CHF10-15, 30m-1h

2:00PM

Schynige Platte Cogwheel Train

Take train to Wilderswil then cogwheel railway to Schynige Platte.
Round-trip ticket CHF55 approx., 1h

3:00PM

Panorama Trail & Flower Garden

Hike around trails, enjoy alpine flower garden and relax at café with panoramic views till early evening.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Return to Interlaken & Overnight

Head back by train for overnight at Hotel Regina Wengen.
Included, 1h
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Day 4: Jungfraujoch & Grindelwald

Jungfrau Region, Switzerland on July 14, 2025

7:00AM

Train to Jungfraujoch

Depart early from Interlaken via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe.
Ticket CHF150+, 3.5h

10:30AM

Explore Jungfraujoch Highlights

Visit Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and Snow Plateau with stunning alpine panoramas.
Included in ticket, 3h

1:30PM

Begin Return Journey

Start descending back toward Interlaken Ost.
Included, 2h

3:45PM

Glacier Canyon Grindelwald

Travel to Grindelwald and explore the scenic Glacier Canyon between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
Free entry, 1.5h

3:30PM

Grindelwald First Zipline & Cliff Walk

Experience First Flyer or First Glider zipline or stroll First Cliff Walk; both open until about 5:30 PM.
Zipline CHF60-80, Cliff Walk free, 1.5h

7:00PM

Harder Kulm Funicular & Dinner

Ascend Harder Kulm for sunset views and dinner at the Panorama Restaurant until 8:30 PM.
Funicular CHF15, dinner from CHF40, 1.5h

9:00PM

Return to Hotel

Descend back to Interlaken for overnight stay at Hotel Regina Wengen.
Included, 30m
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Day 5: Golden Pass & Montreux

Interlaken to Montreux & Zermatt, Switzerland on July 15, 2025

7:00AM

Golden Pass Express Scenic Train

Board scenic Golden Pass Express from Interlaken to Gstaad, enjoy alpine views en route.
Approx CHF70-100, 2h

9:30AM

Glacier 3000 Adventures

Try Peak Walk by Tissot, alpine coaster, and glacier hiking at Glacier 3000.
Cable car + activities from CHF50, 3h

1:00PM

Explore Zermatt Village & Five Lake Walk

Spend afternoon walking scenic Five Lake trail and discover Zermatt village ambiance.
Free access, optional guided tours extra, 3-4h

6:00PM

Overnight in Zermatt

Rest overnight in Zermatt preparing for next day’s mountain adventures.
Hotel-dependent, Overnight
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Day 6: Matterhorn Glacier & Gornergrat

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Alpenblick Superior Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your mountain excursion.
Included with stay, 60m

8:30AM

Gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Ride gondola taking sequential stops (Furi, Trockener Steg) up to Klein Matterhorn, top of Europe.
Ticket CHF100+, 1.5h

10:00AM

Explore Glacier Palace & Panoramic Platform

Visit ice tunnels and sculptures in Glacier Palace; stunning views of Mont Blanc, Weisshorn, Matterhorn on platform.
Included in ticket, 2h

12:00PM

Return Gondola to Zermatt

Gondola descends for lunch in village post excursion.
Included, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Chez Heini

Savor traditional Swiss or continental dishes in cozy setting close to the station.
Main courses CHF25-45, 60m

2:00PM

Gornergrat Railway Ride

Board open-air cogwheel train to Gornergrat summit for panoramic vistas of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.
Ticket CHF50-70, 2h

4:30PM

Explore Zermatt Village & Gorner Gorge

Visit scenic Gorner Gorge and enjoy village shops or optional short hikes.
Gorge free, hikes free, 1.5-2h

7:00PM

Overnight in Zermatt

Rest after an active day out in the Swiss Alps.
Included, Overnight
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Day 7: Montreux Promenade & Jazz Festival

Montreux, Switzerland on July 17, 2025

9:00AM

Leisurely Riviera Promenade Walk

Enjoy a relaxed walk along the lakeside Riviera Promenade from Montreux to Chillon Castle with stops at cafes and floral gardens.
Free, 2h

2:00PM

Visit Chillon Castle

Tour the historic castle’s dungeons, towers and enjoy lake views; open until 6 PM; entry CHF13 (free with Swiss Travel Pass).
CHF13 or free with pass, 1.5h

4:30PM

Return to Montreux Center

Walk or take bus back toward Montreux for evening festival events.
Local transport CHF3-5, 30m

6:00PM

Montreux Jazz Festival Free Concerts

Experience open-air concerts at Parc Vernex, Lakeside Stage with food trucks and global cuisine along the promenade.
Free, Up to late evening

9:00PM

Sunset by Lake & Jazz Bar

Relax by the lake enjoying sunset and ambient jazz at local cafes or bars.
Value dependent, Flexible

Overnight

Stay at Modern Times Hotel

Overnight accommodation in Montreux near festival venues.
Hotel dependent, Overnight
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Day 8: Lavaux Vineyards & Lausanne

Lavaux, Lausanne & Montreux, Switzerland on July 18, 2025

8:30AM

Train to Grandvaux

Take a 25-minute train ride from Montreux to Grandvaux, gateway to Lavaux Vineyards.
CHF8, 25m

9:00AM

Lavaux Vineyard Trail Walk

Walk scenic vineyard terraces from Grandvaux to Cully with stunning views of Lake Geneva; option to stop for wine tasting by reservation.
Free walk; wine tasting CHF15-30, 2h

11:15AM

Train to Lausanne

Train from Cully to Lausanne in 15 minutes.
CHF5, 15m

11:30AM

Olympic Museum Gardens or Ouchy Promenade

Visit Olympic Museum gardens or stroll lakeside Ouchy; both ideal for relaxing and photos.
Optional museum entry CHF18, 30m

12:00PM

Lunch by Lake Geneva

Enjoy lunch at Château d’Ouchy terrace or Le Vieil Ouchy restaurant with lake views.
Main courses CHF25-45, 90m

2:00PM

Return to Montreux

Train ride back to Montreux for afternoon free time.
Approx CHF8, 40m

3:00PM

Free Time in Montreux

Walk lakeside promenade, visit Freddie Mercury statue, try local cafes or Queen Studio Experience museum (free).
Free entry, 3h

6:30PM

Montreux Jazz Festival Evening

Enjoy free concerts and delicious food stalls along the lakefront until late evening.
Free, Till late

Overnight

Stay at Modern Times Hotel

Stay another night soaking in Montreux jazz festival ambience.
Hotel dependent, Overnight
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Day 9: Travel to Paris

Montreux to Paris, France on July 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a morning breakfast before checkout.
Included, 60m

8:30AM

Check-out and Transfer to Lausanne Station

Travel from Montreux to Lausanne train station by train or local transport.
Approx CHF10, 1h

9:30AM

TGV Lyria Train Lausanne to Paris

Direct 4-hour journey to Paris Gare de Lyon by TGV Lyria high-speed train.
CHF85-150, 4h

1:30PM

Arrive and Check-in in Paris

Transfer to hotel, check-in and freshen up.
Variable, 1h

Afternoon & Evening

Leisure in Paris

Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, shop at Galeries Lafayette or Champs-Élysées, or relax at Seine cafés.
Free to explore, Flexible
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Day 10: Disneyland Paris

Paris, France on July 20, 2025

8:00AM

Disneyland Full Day

Spend the entire day (8 AM to 9 PM) enjoying Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios with rides, shows, and parades.
Tickets ~EUR100+, 13h

Overnight

Stay in Paris

Return to Paris hotel for rest.
Included, Overnight
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Day 11: Paris Icons & Seine Cruise

Paris, France on July 21, 2025

9:00AM

Eiffel Tower Visit

Explore the Eiffel Tower, ascend for panoramic city views until noon.
Adult ticket EUR25-30, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch Nearby

Enjoy a meal at a nearby café or brasserie serving French cuisine.
EUR20-40, 90m

2:00PM

Visit Louvre Museum

Tour world-famous Louvre Museum collections until mid-afternoon.
EUR17 advance ticket, 2h

4:30PM

Seine River Cruise

Take a relaxing 1-hour scenic cruise on the Seine with vistas of Paris landmarks.
EUR15-20, 1h

Evening

Free Time & Shopping

Enjoy Paris nightlife, shopping or dining at your leisure.
Variable, Flexible
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Day 12: Departure

Paris, France on July 22, 2025

11:00AM

Checkout & Airport Transfer

Checkout from hotel and transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Variable, 1h

2:00PM

Flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle

Depart on your flight home or onward journey.
Variable, N/A
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